A CELEBRATION of the British Empire Medal (BEM) was held recently as an inspirational Pembrokeshire recipient was presented with the honour.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, presented the BEM to Mrs Lynne McCutcheon at a ceremony in County Hall on June 22.

Mrs McCutcheon received the medal - awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown - for services to disadvantaged children in Nepal and India.

Mrs McCutcheon’s friends and family of the recipients joined Council Chairman Cllr Delme Harries for the event in the Council Chamber.

In the group are Lynne McCutcheon BEM, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed Sara Edwards, PCC Chairman Cllr Delme Harries, Cadet Aeron James, Andrew McCutcheon, Mrs Margaret Davies and fellow trustee Andrew Small and his wife Sophie Small.
In the group are Lynne McCutcheon BEM, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed Sara Edwards, PCC Chairman Cllr Delme Harries, Cadet Aeron James, Andrew McCutcheon, Mrs Margaret Davies and fellow trustee Andrew Small and his wife Sophie Small. (Pembrokeshire County Council)

The medal was presented in recognition of her 22 years as funding trustee and chairman of New Futures Nepal, transforming the lives of disadvantaged children, many with disabilities.

Mrs McCutcheon said: "I am deeply honoured to receive this award, but it really reflects the efforts of many people.

“My heartfelt thanks go to fellow trustees, partner charities in Nepal and India, and all the donors, volunteers, friends and family whose support has made our work possible.”

She added: “I accept this recognition on behalf of everyone who has trusted us to change lives and bring hope to those most in need in Nepal."

Her voluntary leadership provided care, education and opportunities, creating lasting change, empowering Nepal’s most vulnerable, and improving thousands of lives.

The Lord-Lieutenant said: “It was both an enormous privilege and a huge pleasure to present Pembrokeshire resident Mrs Lynne McCutcheon with her British Empire Medal for her many years of commitment to helping disadvantaged children and young people in Nepal.

“Her dedication to supporting and improving the lives of these young people, ensuring that they all have better futures in Nepal, is truly inspirational. I warmly congratulate her on her very deserved Honour.”

Assisting the Lord-Lieutenant for the ceremony was Pembrokeshire Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Aeron James.